The Politics of Our Selves

Power, Autonomy, and Gender in Contemporary Critical Theory

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Feminism & Feminist Theory, Women&
Cover of the book The Politics of Our Selves by Amy Allen, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Amy Allen ISBN: 9780231509848
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: November 30, 2007
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Amy Allen
ISBN: 9780231509848
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: November 30, 2007
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Some critical theorists understand the self as constituted by power relations, while others insist upon the self's autonomous capacities for critical reflection and deliberate self-transformation. Up to now, it has all too often been assumed that these two understandings of the self are incompatible. In her bold new book, Amy Allen argues that the capacity for autonomy is rooted in the very power relations that constitute the self.

Allen's theoretical framework illuminates both aspects of what she calls, following Foucault, the "politics of our selves." It analyzes power in all its depth and complexity, including the complicated phenomenon of subjection, without giving up on the ideal of autonomy. Drawing on original and critical readings of a diverse group of theorists, including Michel Foucault, Jurgen Habermas, Judith Butler, and Seyla Benhabib, Allen shows how the self can be both constituted by power and capable of an autonomous self-constitution. Her argument is a significant and vital contribution to feminist theory and to critical social theory, both of which have long grappled with the relationship between power and agency.

If critical theory is to be truly critical, Allen argues, it will have to pay greater attention to the phenomenon of subjection, and will have to think through the challenges that the notion of subjection poses for the critical-theoretical conception of autonomy. In particular, Allen discusses in detail how the normative aspirations of Habermasian critical theory need to be recast in light of Foucault's and Butler's account of subjection. This book is original both in its attempt to think of power and autonomy simultaneously and in its effort to bring the work of Foucault and Habermas into a productive dialogue.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Some critical theorists understand the self as constituted by power relations, while others insist upon the self's autonomous capacities for critical reflection and deliberate self-transformation. Up to now, it has all too often been assumed that these two understandings of the self are incompatible. In her bold new book, Amy Allen argues that the capacity for autonomy is rooted in the very power relations that constitute the self.

Allen's theoretical framework illuminates both aspects of what she calls, following Foucault, the "politics of our selves." It analyzes power in all its depth and complexity, including the complicated phenomenon of subjection, without giving up on the ideal of autonomy. Drawing on original and critical readings of a diverse group of theorists, including Michel Foucault, Jurgen Habermas, Judith Butler, and Seyla Benhabib, Allen shows how the self can be both constituted by power and capable of an autonomous self-constitution. Her argument is a significant and vital contribution to feminist theory and to critical social theory, both of which have long grappled with the relationship between power and agency.

If critical theory is to be truly critical, Allen argues, it will have to pay greater attention to the phenomenon of subjection, and will have to think through the challenges that the notion of subjection poses for the critical-theoretical conception of autonomy. In particular, Allen discusses in detail how the normative aspirations of Habermasian critical theory need to be recast in light of Foucault's and Butler's account of subjection. This book is original both in its attempt to think of power and autonomy simultaneously and in its effort to bring the work of Foucault and Habermas into a productive dialogue.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Deaths in Venice by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Plants Invade the Land by Amy Allen
Cover of the book The Sense and Non-Sense of Revolt by Amy Allen
Cover of the book The Rise of Mormonism by Amy Allen
Cover of the book The Cult of the Fox by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Edwin Arlington Robinson by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Taking It Big by Amy Allen
Cover of the book The Role of Law in Social Work Practice and Administration by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Supervision in Social Work by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Sustainability Management by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Dialectical Passions by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Weimar Cinema by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Special Effects by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Social Work by Amy Allen
Cover of the book Eating Disorders by Amy Allen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy